Peace

This time of the year I usually find myself more introspective; more melancholy. There is a change in the air. Another year is fast coming to an end. I find myself, once again, contemplating where I’ve been and where I am going.

This year has had more ups than downs. I ended a long relationship. I found a great part-time job which has turned into a full-time job. I will be finishing my associate’s degree.  My oldest child started college. I had to put my dog to sleep. I gained another cat (put that in whichever category you wish!). I have reconnected with old friends; made new friends; deepened some relationships that I have neglected.

I went for a walk today to reflect on some of these things. Sometimes, I feel restless and have to get outside. It was just me and my daughter’s dog, Chloe. I chose not to put in my headphones. I wanted time with God. So, Chloe and I walked for an hour at a local park.

We passed a few people, but the park was not crowded. As we approached the end of our walk, I realized that as usual, my mind wandered all over the place. I thought, “Well, so much for an epiphany from God.” I knew it was my fault, though. I let my mind go.


 Then new thoughts slipped in:

“Didn’t you feel the gentle breeze through your hair? Did you see the golden sun rays streaming through the grey clouds? What about the ripple of waves across the water as the wind blew? Did you notice the little bits of gold and red of the leaves still holding on? Did you miss the sound of a hawk and the blue jays? Didn’t you see the ducks as they paddled across the water? “

Then the epiphany: God did meet with me even though my thoughts wandered. He met with me through my senses and He infused my soul with His peace.

Running

This was something I wrote back in 2008. I have begun getting more consistent with my running and thought I would repost this to remind me of how I got started running.



A long time ago before I had children I did some volunteer work at a half-way house for homeless people. They were taught money management and trained for a job. I had children, moved, and life got busy.

Now, fast forward to a about a month or so ago. Liz and I were discussing how she likes to run. I suggested we find a race of some sort to participate in to motivate us.

Stay with me here. A couple of weeks ago our ladies group at church was having a movie night. I haven't attended a ladies meeting in probably 10 or more years but for some reason I felt strongly compelled to go. Well, the movie was called, "Welcome to Paradise", and part of the story line was befriending the homeless.

Last week the girls and I went to a concert. After the concert we were approached by a homeless man. I had no money to offer him but I always pack an ice chest with fruit and snacks after a concert because we are usually very hungry (and too cheap to buy food at the concert!). Anyway, I gave him a plate of food.

I began thinking that maybe God was telling me something. Kinda giving me a direction on where He may be taking me. Well, when we got home I googled homeless here in my county. I didn't know what to do with the results so I prayed and told God if he wanted me to do something for the homeless He was going to have to show me.

So, the other day I had to go to Home Depot. On the way home there was a HUGE banner in a church yard: www.runforshelter.org. I checked it out and it is a 5K run/walk for the homeless in my county.

So, I am in training. I have been exercising already for quite a long time, but now am kicking it up to start running. Liz is joining me. Jessica is going to walk. The run/walk is November 15th.

For any of you believers, we would appreciate your prayers in this new challenge. We are very excited!!!


So, now it is August 2011. Once again, I am planning to run the 5K Run For Shelter in November. I even have a few friends who are joining me in the run. How cool is that?!